System and method for managing call routing in a network environment including IMS
In one embodiment, a scheme is disclosed for managing call routing in a network environment including a circuit-switched (CS) network and an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network. When a call is originated by a user equipment (UE) device in the CS network, call information associated with the call is provided to a call continuity control function (CCCF) network node disposed in the IMS network. At the CCCF node, a pool of E.164 numbers are maintained as IP multimedia routing numbers (IMRNs) which are mapped to or otherwise associated with called party numbers. The CCCF node dynamically allocates a select IMRN with respect to a called party number received from the UE device and returns it to the UE device. The dynamically allocated IMRN is then utilized for routing the call towards the called party.
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The present patent disclosure generally relates to call routing in communications networks. More particularly, and not by way of any limitation, the present patent disclosure is directed to a system and method for managing call routing in a network environment including a circuit-switched (CS) network and an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network, wherein a CS-originated call is to be routed using the IMS network infrastructure.
BACKGROUNDMobile voice-over-IP (VoIP) handover is the process of continuing a voice call as a user moves between IP-based networks (e.g., wireless LAN (WLAN) or Wi-MAX networks, etc.) and circuit-switched cellular networks. To effectuate such handover, current 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards specify that when a dual mode wireless device originates a call requiring inter-domain continuity, the call be routed to a call continuity control function (CCCF) element that is disposed in a new, IP-based network architecture referred to as the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). One of the proposed solutions to implement the call routing process involves providing a Public Service Identity in the form of an E.164 number (e.g., a called party number) to which a call reference identity may be appended to generate an IP multimedia routing number (IMRN). However, when call reference identity digits are appended to the E.164 number, it results in a number that is longer than the 15-digit length limitation specified under the ITU-T standards. It is therefore possible that the extra digits may be lost when such a number is routed via a network. Further, if there is a reliance on the Caller ID information being provided to the CCCF element in the IMS network, this information may be lost in the international ISDN infrastructure using the ISDN User Part (ISUP) signaling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSA more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present patent disclosure may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The present patent disclosure is broadly directed to a scheme for managing call routing in a network environment including a circuit-switched (CS) network and an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network. When a call is originated by a user equipment (UE) device in the CS network, appropriate call information associated with the call is provided to a CCCF network node disposed in the IMS network. At the CCCF node, a pool of E.164 numbers are maintained as IP multimedia routing numbers (IMRNs) which are mapped to or otherwise associated with called party numbers. The CCCF node dynamically allocates a select IMRN with respect to a called party number received from the UE device and returns it to the UE device. The dynamically allocated IMRN is then utilized for routing the call towards the called party, after which it may be released back to the pool of IMRNs for future use. Appropriate timers may be provided at the device and CCCF endpoints so that it can be verified whether a call reference number associated with the call remains valid (e.g., it has not timed out) or the dynamically allocated IMRN remains valid (e.g., it has not timed out). Optionally, the released IMRN may be quarantined for a period of time.
In one aspect, a method is disclosed for routing a call in a network environment including a CS network and an IMS network, the call being originated in the CS network portion by a UE device towards a called party, the method comprising: providing call information associated with the call from the UE device to a CCCF network node disposed in the IMS network; at the CCCF network node, dynamically allocating an IMRN selected from a pool of IMRNs, wherein the dynamically allocated IMRN is mapped to the called party's number; providing the dynamically allocated IMRN to the UE device from the CCCF network node; and utilizing the dynamically allocated IMRN for routing the call towards the called party.
In another aspect, disclosed herein is a UE device operable to originate a call in a network environment including a CS network and an IMS network, the call being directed towards a called party, the device comprising: means for providing call information associated with the call to a CCCF network node disposed in the IMS network portion, the call information including a call reference number; means, responsive to receiving a dynamically allocated IMRN from the CCCF network node, wherein the dynamically allocated IMRN is selected from a pool of IMRNs and mapped to the called party's number, for verifying that the call reference number remains valid (e.g., it has not timed out); and means, responsive to verifying that the call reference number is valid, for providing the dynamic IMRN to a network entity in order to initiate a call routing process with respect to the called party using the dynamically allocated IMRN.
In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a network node having CCCF capability and disposed in an IMS network, the network node comprising: means for maintaining a pool of IMRNs that are configured to a range of called party numbers, wherein a select IMRN is dynamically allocable to a called party number received from a UE device with respect to a call originated in a circuit-switched network; means for dynamically allocating the select IMRN to the called party number received from the UE device and for providing the select IMRN to the UE device; and means for verifying that the select IMRN remains valid (e.g., it has not timed out) when the select IMRN is returned to the network node for effectuating a call routing process with respect to the call.
A system and method of the present patent disclosure will now be described with reference to various examples of how the embodiments can best be made and used. Like reference numerals are used throughout the description and several views of the drawings to indicate like or corresponding parts, wherein the various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
The access space 104 may be comprised of both CS and PS networks, which may involve wireless technologies, wireline technologies, broadband access technologies, etc. For example, reference numeral 106 refers to wireless technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, although it is envisaged that the teachings hereof may be extended to any 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)-compliant cellular network (e.g., 3GPP or 3GPP2) as well. Reference numeral 108 refers to broadband access networks including wireless local area networks or WLANs, Wi-MAX networks as well as fixed networks such as DSL, cable broadband, etc. Also exemplified as part of the access space 104 is the conventional wireline PSTN infrastructure 110.
An IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) core network 112 is coupled to the various access networks set forth above, including any CS-based networks. As is well known, the IMS standard defined by the 3GPP is designed to allow service providers manage a variety of services that can be delivered via IP over any network type, wherein IP is used to transport both bearer traffic and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based signaling traffic. Broadly, IMS is a framework for managing the applications (i.e., services) and networks (i.e., access) that is capable of providing multimedia services. IMS defines an “application server” to be the network element that delivers services subscribers use, e.g., voice call continuity (VCC), Push-To-Talk (PTT), etc. IMS manages applications by defining common control components that each application server (AS) is required to have, e.g., subscriber profiles, IMS mobility, network access, authentication, service authorization, charging and billing, inter-operator functions, and interoperation with the legacy phone network.
It should be understood that whereas IMS is defined by the 3GPP standards body which mainly addresses GSM networks, another group, 3GPP2, is involved in defining a closely analogous architecture referred to as Multimedia Domain (MMD). MMD is essentially an IMS for CDMA networks, and since MMD and IMS are roughly equivalent, the term “IMS” may be used in this present patent disclosure to refer collectively to both IMS and MMD where applicable.
Continuing to refer to
As alluded to in the Background section of the present patent application, when a wireless device originates a call in the CS domain, which may require call continuity while the call is in progress, that call is routed to the CCCF node of the subscriber's home IMS network. However, such call routing process is known to have various deficiencies as has been pointed out earlier.
In accordance with the teachings of the present patent disclosure, the IMS network node having the CCCF capability is preferably provided with appropriate logic/structure/software/firmware module(s) for performing the following: maintaining a pool of E.164 numbers that are operable as IMRNs which terminate on the CCCF node, wherein a select IMRN is dynamically allocable to a called party number received from a UE device; dynamically allocating the select IMRN to a received called party number and providing the select IMRN to the originating UE device; verifying that the select IMRN has not timed out when that select IMRN is returned to the network node for effectuating a call routing process with respect to the called party number; and optionally, quarantining the select IMRN for a period of time upon releasing it back to the IMRN pool for future use.
To manage a pool of dynamically allocable IMRNs, the CCCF node (e.g., AS 120) may be configured in a number of ways with respect to the E.164 numbers. For example, a particular E.164 number may be provided as a “starting address” number of an IMRN range. Another E.164 number may operate as a range delimiter with respect to the IMRN range. To allow flexibility, it may be desirable to provide for different pools of IMRNs to be configured from different number ranges. Further, appropriate timer mechanism(s) may be implemented at the CCCF node in order to ensure that the allocated IMRNs remain valid (e.g., they have not timed out, that is, they are used within appropriate time limits) or suitable quarantine times are applied. As will be described in detail below, management of timers associated with IMRNs at the CCCF node and timers associated with call reference numbers at the originating UE device allows for dynamic provisioning of IMRNs that could be used for call routing without having to append extra digits to the E.164 number to create an IMRN.
Based on the foregoing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that when the call information, i.e., called party number, call reference number, etc., is sent by the UE device to the serving CCCF node, appropriate logic at the CCCF node may create a record that maps the received call information to an E.164 -based IMRN, which is transmitted back to the UE device. Upon correlating the IMRN with the call reference number, the UE sets up a call using the IMRN that terminates on the CCCF node. The IMRN is then interrogated against the record to retrieve the original called party number for routing the call to the called party.
It should be recognized by those skilled in the art that the message flow between the UE device and the home IMS network's CCCF node may be mediated through a number of other appropriate network infrastructure elements, and may be implemented in a number of ways depending on the device capabilities as well as the network features and protocols being used. Typically, the message flow may be mediated via network elements such as a mobile switching center (MSC) and a media gateway control function (MGCF) element disposed between the UE device and its home IMS CCCF node. Set forth below are a number of exemplary implementations of the message flow where a dynamically allocated IMRN is utilized for call routing with respect to a call originated in the CS domain.
Upon receipt of the dynamically allocated IMRN via SIP Invite 320 at the CCCF node 308, the timer mechanism may be stopped (block 322) to verify if the IMRN has timed out. If so, the SIP Invite message may be discarded and the call routing process may be terminated. If the IMRN has not timed out, the CCCF may set up the call using the original called number against the IMRN to the correct destination. Additionally, if no CallerID (CID) was received in the SIP invite message 320, the CCCF node 308 may insert the CID with appropriate privacy options. After using the IMRN for call routing by CCCF, it may be returned to the IMRN pool, wherein a quarantine timer may be started (block 324) such that the IMRN is prohibited from further use until the quarantine timer is stopped after a period of time (block 326).
As pointed out previously, the timer mechanism at the device side may also be used to ensure that the call reference number has not timed out, which reference number is used by the UE device to correlate the information received from the CCCF (e.g., dynamic IMRN). If the timer expires before the same reference number is received back from the CCCF node, the UE device may reattempt the call process a predetermined number of times (e.g., five attempts), after which if no response has been received, the call procedure may be deemed to have failed. In other words, if the UE device receives a reference number that is no longer valid, it may be discarded and the call procedure may be terminated.
Upon receipt of the dynamically allocated IMRN via SIP Invite 420 at the CCCF node 308, the timer mechanism may be stopped (block 422) to monitor if the IMRN is still valid. Thereafter, if the IMRN has not timed out, the CCCF may set up the call using the original called number against the IMRN to the correct destination. Additional processes such as IMRN release and quarantining, etc. may be effectuated by the CCCF node 308 similar to the processes described above. Appropriate timer mechanisms (blocks 424, 426) may accordingly be implemented at the CCCF node 308. Furthermore, the timer mechanism at the device side may also be used similarly with respect to the call reference number associated with the call.
Another variation of USSD message flow embodiment 500B is shown in
Microprocessor 602 may also interface with further device subsystems such as auxiliary input/output (I/O) 618, serial port 620, display 622, keyboard/keypad 624, speaker 626, microphone 628, random access memory (RAM) 630, a short-range communications subsystem 632, and any other device subsystems, e.g., timer mechanisms, generally labeled as reference numeral 633. To control access, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) interface 634 may also be provided in communication with the microprocessor 602. In one implementation, SIM/RUIM interface 634 is operable with a SIM/RUIM card having a number of key configurations 644 and other information 646 such as identification and subscriber-related data.
Operating system software and applicable service logic software may be embodied in a persistent storage module (i.e., non-volatile storage) such as Flash memory 635. In one implementation, Flash memory 635 may be segregated into different areas, e.g., storage area for computer programs 636 (e.g., service processing logic), as well as data storage regions such as device state 637, address book 639, other personal information manager (PIM) data 641, and other data storage areas generally labeled as reference numeral 643. A transport stack 645 may be provided to effectuate one or more appropriate radio-packet transport protocols. In addition, a call handover/continuity logic module 648 is provided for effectuating call reference ID generation, validation, verification, and correlation with IMRNs, etc. as set forth hereinabove.
It is believed that the operation and construction of the embodiments of the present patent application will be apparent from the Detailed Description set forth above. While the exemplary embodiments shown and described may have been characterized as being preferred, it should be readily understood that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the following claims.
Claims
1. A method of routing a call in a network environment including a circuit-switched (CS) network and an Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) network, said call being originated in said CS network portion by a user equipment (UE) device towards a called party, comprising:
- providing call information associated with said call from said UE device to a call continuity control function (CCCF) network node disposed in said IMS network;
- at said CCCF network node, dynamically allocating an IP multimedia routing number (IMRN) selected from a pool of IMRNs, wherein said dynamically allocated IMRN is mapped to said called party's number;
- providing said dynamically allocated IMRN to said UE device from said CCCF network node; and
- utilizing said dynamically allocated IMRN for routing said call towards said called party.
2. The method of routing a call as recited in claim 1, wherein said dynamically allocated IMRN is utilized for routing said call originated by said UE device upon verifying that a call reference number provided as part of said call information has not timed out.
3. The method of routing a call as recited in claim 1, wherein said dynamically allocated IMRN is utilized by said CCCF network node for routing said call upon verifying that said dynamically allocated IMRN has not timed out.
4. The method of routing a call as recited in claim 1, wherein said dynamically allocated IMRN is released back to said pool of IMRNs for future use upon quarantining said dynamically allocated IMRN for a certain period of time.
5. The method of routing a call as recited in claim 1, wherein said call information is provided to said CCCF network node via a mobile switching center (MSC) using a CAMEL (Customized Applications for Mobile Enhanced Logic) Application Part (CAP) message.
6. The method of routing a call as recited in claim 1, wherein said call information is provided to said CCCF network node using a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message.
7. The method of routing a call as recited in claim 1, wherein said call information is provided to said CCCF network node using an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) message.
8. A user equipment (UE) device operable to originate a call in a network environment including a circuit-switched (CS) network and an Internet. Protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) network, said call being directed towards a called party, comprising:
- means for providing call information associated with said call to a call continuity control function (CCCF) network node disposed in said IMS network portion, said call information including a call reference number;
- means, responsive to receiving a dynamically allocated IP multimedia routing number (IMRN) from said CCCF network node, wherein said dynamically allocated IMRN is selected from a pool of IMRNs and mapped to said called party's number, for verifying that said call reference number remains valid; and
- means, responsive to verifying that said call reference number is valid, for providing said dynamic IMRN to a network entity in order to initiate a call routing process with respect to said called party using said dynamically allocated IMRN.
9. The UE device operable originate a call in a network environment as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for providing call information comprises means for generating a message including said call information to a mobile switching center (MSC) operable with a CAMEL (Customized Applications for Mobile Enhanced Logic) Application Part (CAP).
10. The UE device operable originate a call in a network environment as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for providing call information comprises means for generating a message including said call information to said CCCF node using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).
11. The UE device operable originate a call in a network environment as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for providing call information comprises means for generating a message including said call information to said CCCF node using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).
12. A network node having call continuity control function (CCCF) capability and disposed in an Internet Protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) network, comprising:
- means for maintaining a pool of IP multimedia routing numbers (IMRNs) that are configured to a range of called party numbers, wherein a select IMRN is dynamically allocable to a called party number received from a user equipment (UE) device with respect to a call originated in a circuit-switched network;
- means for dynamically allocating said select IMRN to said called party number received from said UE device and for providing said select IMRN to said UE device; and
- means for verifying that said select IMRN remains valid when said select IMRN is returned to said network node for effectuating a call routing process with respect to said call.
13. The network node having CCCF capability as recited in claim 12, wherein said select IMRN is provided to said UE device via a mobile switching center (MSC) using a CAMEL (Customized Applications for Mobile Enhanced Logic) Application Part (CAP) message.
14. The network node having CCCF capability as recited in claim 12, wherein said select IMRN is provided to said UE device using a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message.
15. The network node having CCCF capability as recited in claim 12, wherein said select IMRN is provided to said UE device using an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) message.
16. The network node having CCCF capability as recited in claim 12, further comprising means for quarantining said select IMRN upon releasing it to said pool of IMRNs for future use.
17. The network node having CCCF capability as recited in claim 16, wherein said means for quarantining said select IMRN comprises a timer mechanism.
18. The network node having CCCF capability as recited in claim 12, wherein said means for verifying that said select IMRN is valid comprises a timer mechanism.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 10, 2006
Publication Date: Jul 19, 2007
Patent Grant number: 7769000
Applicant:
Inventor: Adrian Buckley (Tracy, CA)
Application Number: 11/328,875
International Classification: H04L 12/66 (20060101);